I’m a support teacher. Since Covid, I’ve watched time go to soft starts (usually 30min), eating recess snack BEFORE recess (10 min), starting lunch early (10 minutes). 50 minutes out of a 5 hr day… that’s not including excessively long transition times. 👀

Karen Vaites@karenvaites.bsky.social · last yr.

Elementary teachers, we need you! Please take this short survey to help us understand your school schedule. How much time goes to ELA versus other subjects? How are you using ELA block time? docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Elementary teachers, we need you! Please take this short survey to help us understand your school schedule. How much time goes to ELA versus other subjects? How are you using ELA block time? docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

I like your quote: “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort.” Thx for sharing!

This statement by Louisa Moats is so true. I see it with the naysayers to the original #SOR movement, and now with the push for #StructuredLiteracy. I also see it with post-secondary institutions, school districts and my own professional union, the BCTF. Knowledge is key. #KnowNetterDoBetter

This post from another platform makes me proud. In fact, I got in trouble because of it. As the American John Lewis said, “Never ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble”. Singing: When you get knocked down, get up again (cause they’re NEVER gonna keep me down).

Came across this graphic. It’s true, these ARE non examples of structured literacy. My goal is to show my colleagues what to do instead. Little by little and step by step I’m working hard to show them how.

Feeling invigorated! Thanks to @ehanford.bsky.social and her Sold a Story update! I’ve listened. I’ve forwarded to leaders. I know this works. I believe. You need to listen (and more importantly learn) podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...

11: The Outlier

Podcast Episode · Sold a Story · S1 E11 · 31m

podcasts.apple.com

So privileged to live in a world where we get to do things like this! #CanadianWinters #NorthernBC #ProudlyCanadian Btw… anyone know what left that animal print?

As a Canadian teacher, I have used some of the excellent resources focusing on literacy which were created by IES. What a travesty.

Josh Marshall@joshtpm.bsky.social · 2y ago

Hearing that DOGE went into the Dept of Education today and shut down almost the entirety of the department's in-house research arm, Institute of Educational Sciences, cancelling contracts totally about $900m.

“There's good evidence to show that when we look at children who are acting out and disruptive, they are in many cases not reading well, and what's the chicken and what's the egg?” @rastokke.bsky.social The Snow Report is brilliant-both the episode & ski trails. ❄️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...

We just made a new fun tool! Teaching students how to write letters correctly is critical, so we made some simple animations for use in classrooms or at home. Come try it out and let us know what you think! phonicsandstuff.com/handwriting

Since COVID I’ve noticed a drastic decrease in instructional time. Soft starts, stopping early so students can eat recess snack inside, same thing for lunch - packing up early. Add in extra computer lab blocks, free choice, and more. Instructional minutes matter. Dosage matters ⭐️

Karen Vaites@karenvaites.bsky.social · 2y ago

I have already heard from leaders in two states, inquiring about the results of this survey from the Curriculum Insight Project. We are not alone in thinking that dosage is a neglected topic Please send this survey to K-5 teachers you know? docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

So I took one for the team. I felt like I had to attend this webinar to hear what was being said. I wanted to hear the arguments and concerns. With that said, “keep on keeping on”. I know as a longtime classroom teacher and now as a learning support teacher that I’m on the right path. Thanks #SoR ❤️

What a gorgeous day for a hike! Mt. Robson never disappoints. #CanadianRockies

Last night’s discussion on universities and reading instruction was frustrating. Institutions have a responsibility to equip pre-service teachers with the skills needed to help struggling readers succeed. Anyone who views reading as “magical” should not be teaching a literacy course.

Wow… saw a webinar series I was interested in. Couldn’t believe the price. 👀

2025 Happy New Year!

@bctf.bsky.social @eby-david.bsky.social “It’s not because teachers don’t want to help children know how to read well, they [teachers] don’t come in with the tools.” #bced #edusky

Kate Lyon@katelyonpr.bsky.social · 2y ago

Preservice Teacher Education Programs need to change in #BCEd. "It's not because teachers don't want to help children know how to read well, they don't come in with the tools, and they have to have the tools and the knowledge." #BCEdChat #BCTF #BCPVPA #EduSky

I have been saying this for years. Early intervention is key. Look at what is being done In kindergarten to close the gap. Some know what to do, while others have much to learn. THEN continue up through the grades. Focus on the foundation first. See the findings about disadvantaged gaps.

Education Policy Institute@edupolicyinst.bsky.social · 2y ago

🚨NEW: Today, the Education Policy Institute publishes its report on local disadvantage gaps across England. We explore which areas are narrowing disadvantage gaps and where they are widening. 👇Key findings below: epi.org.uk/publications...

Not surprising. Instruction matters. Put the “teach” back in teacher. AND stop listening to those edu-celebrities. You know the ones 😉

Good thread reflecting on a recent Tyee article, the #bced power players involved and their responses to a major literary issue raised by @aliciasmith.bsky.social. I’ve been mulling over the @bctf.bsky.social response for a few days now.

Dr. Katja Thieme (she/they)@katjathieme.bsky.social · 2y ago

Really important investment: "Last spring, B.C. gov announced $30 mill for supporting kids with learning disabilities, specifically citing dyslexia. This fall they began implementing early literacy screening, spending $17.5 mill on screening, as well as resources & training for educators & staff."

I know there are Canadian institutions teaching flawed methods too. I’ve had colleagues who’ve spent time learning on their own about #SOR take graduate level diplomas in early education. Their professors do not know about how children learn to read. www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2024/12/10/g...

Georgia State University accused of teaching ‘debunked’ reading methods

Multiple states have banned a method used to teach children to read for decades, but it’s still allowed in Georgia.

atlantanewsfirst.com

It's unfortunate there remains a significant percentage of school districts in #BCEd that continue to mandate the use of Fountas & Pinnell resources. The research is clear. Let's build capacity & learn together. #StructuredLiteracy benefits ALL learners. #BCEdChat #BCPoli #BCTF #BCPVPA

Two Mass. families sue famed literacy specialists, claiming reading curriculums were intentionally flawed - The Boston Globe

The complaint, which is seeking class action status, could spur others like it nationwide.

bostonglobe.com

Interesting details in Christopher Peak’s reporting about class action lawsuit against Calkins and F&P: – it’s apparently unprecedented – MA combines strong consumer protection laws with weak oversight of school practices, making it an ideal venue for suit 🤔 www.apmreports.org/story/2024/1...

www.cmjpublishers.com/wp-content/u... Must read this when I have a bit more time. This caught my eye during my initial scan.

Share this with your peeps. Instead of this, do this… We need to swap out some non-evidence based practices with practices that are more effective! www.learnwithlee.net/when-teachin...

When teaching maths... Instead of this, Do this - Learning with Mr. Lee

In this article, Brendan Lee provides some infographics that breaks down what teachers need to stop doing and what to do instead when it comes to teaching maths.

learnwithlee.net

They have legit turned out normally empty civic plaza into a Hallmark movie

Pssssst… It’s possible to be trauma-responsive AND still have high expectations for behaviour and academics in schools. Thank you for coming to my #EdTalk. #EduSky

a little girl is asking why not both while standing in a kitchen .

Alt: a little girl is asking why not both while standing in a kitchen .

media.tenor.com

They stayed focused longer and used the toys available to them in more imaginative ways. Which is just what we want, developmentally.